Glenwood Springs residents will soon vote to fill three open seats on the local city council. The positions up for election include Ward 2, Ward 5, and one At-Large seat. 

For those looking to throw their name into the hat, forms and signatures are due to City Clerk Ryan Muse by 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. Learn more at cogs.us/346/Elections . Here’s a closer look at the candidates and their plans for the city’s future.

Jonathan Banks – Ward 5

Jonathan Banks, a 30-year resident of Glenwood Springs, is running for the Ward 5 seat. Banks previously led the “Keep Glenwood Glenwood” campaign, which successfully advocated for passing Ballot Question A in a spring 2024 special election. He currently serves on the city’s Charter Commission.

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“I’ve heard too many people say the council doesn’t listen, and that’s no good,” Banks said. “We need to protect our mountain-town way of life, where people act like neighbors with trust and kindness.” He emphasized the importance of addressing growth responsibly to maintain Glenwood’s small-town charm.

Banks said he is focused on quality of life and fiscal responsibility. 

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“We need to spend tax dollars wisely and look at what other cities have done — copy their successes and avoid their mistakes,” he said. 

On affordable housing, he supports partnerships like Habitat for Humanity but stresses the need for long-term agreements that don’t overburden the city.

If elected, Banks plans to address what he sees as a disconnect between the council and residents. 

“There are a number of major votes in recent years that showed citizens wanted a different direction than council was going,” Banks said. “We need to work on being more responsive to people. We need to make sure we are listening to them, even when we don’t like what they are telling us.”

Raymond Schmahl – Ward 2

Since moving to Glenwood Springs in 1984 for the Glenwood Canyon construction project, Raymond Schmahl has remained committed to the community. A former member of the Glenwood Springs Planning and Zoning Commission who carries with him decades of experience in heavy civil construction, he emphasizes efficient decision-making and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

“My priority is representing the voices of my constituents,” Schmahl said. “Direct communication is the most effective way to ensure the community is heard.” 

Schmahl said he plans to stay in close contact with residents and involve them in decisions before they are finalized.

Schmahl values the town’s character and aims to preserve its sense of community. 

“It’s about continuing the spirit of this town while navigating its growth responsibly,” he said. While he has no specific agenda, Schmahl believes the general welfare of the community should guide the council’s decisions.

If elected, Schmahl intends to rely on his experience in managing large-scale projects to ensure Glenwood Springs adapts to change without losing its identity.

Matthew Simms – At-Large

Since November, Matthew Simms has filled Glenwood Springs City Council’s At-Large seat, stepping in after Shelley Kaup’s departure. Simms, a Glenwood resident since 2020, also serves on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, a role he has held since February 2023.

“I believe I bring a fresh perspective as a relative newcomer with years of experience making tough decisions about investment and allocation of scarce resources,” Simms said. He noted that his volunteer work with Valley Meals & More helped him learn about the city and its people. “It’s how I learned Glenwood,” he said.

Simms wants to focus on the redevelopment of the West Glenwood mall and reintroducing community services like the Spring Cleanup. 

“We need to acknowledge and preserve the unique character of the area while still growing in a way that provides for all of us,” he said.

Simms emphasized the importance of transparency and community outreach. 

“City council needs to be a faithful steward of the tax dollars collected and prepare for the curve balls that are going to come at us,” he said. 

With his business background, Simms aims to balance sustainable growth with fiscal responsibility.

Steven Smith – Ward 5

Steven Smith, a Glenwood Springs resident of 36 years, has been heavily involved in local transportation and environmental issues. He currently serves on the city’s Transportation Commission and was a founding member of the River Commission. Smith currently works as a independent contractor, working on rivers and public lands protection measures.

“I’ve spent years learning about transportation and housing, and how they’re connected,” Smith said. “Where you live impacts how you travel, and transportation shapes housing opportunities.” 

Smith said that he plans to prioritize solutions that integrate these two areas.

Smith sees council’s role as ensuring city services improve the quality of life for all residents. 

“It’s essential to ensure people feel heard and involved,” Smith said. He believes fostering engagement and collaboration is key to making stronger decisions.

Smith also values long-term planning, using Glenwood’s unique landscape as a guide. 

“We’re in a valley with transportation choke points,” he said. “Mass transit will have to play a role in handling future growth.” 

Smith emphasized his willingness to learn and adapt as part of the council, listening to the community at every step.

David Townsley – At-Large

David Townsley has lived in the valley for more than 35 years and is running for the At-Large seat. With extensive experience in the mortgage and finance industry, Townsley is focused on transportation and housing as Glenwood Springs grows.

“Transportation is one of our biggest challenges,” Townsley said. “You look at it, and there’s Grand Avenue and Midland — it’s a choke point.” He believes expanding mass transit and improving infrastructure are critical steps for the city.

Townsley also plans to prioritize public engagement in council decisions. 

“Reaching out to the community and listening to their ideas is essential,” he said. “This is a unique place, and it’s important we make decisions that preserve what makes Glenwood special.”

Townsley emphasized the importance of long-term planning, particularly as it relates to growth and maintaining the city’s identity. 

“The council needs to make decisions today that will stand the rest of time,” he said.